Slow Tourism

It is letting go of the stress and speed of traveling, and accepting a slow pace as the norm for undertaking one’s journey

The Green Pilgrim Jerusalem team focuses on the development and implementation of initiatives that demonstrate the spirit of the philosophy of Green Pilgrimage and Slow Tourism.

The ascent to Jerusalem, an important destination for millions of pilgrims every year, gives expression to ancient tradition, going back thousands of years. Although there are paths leading up to the city from all sides, the approach from the Judea desert in the east is undoubtedly the most impressive one of all.

This desert, stretching from the Dead Sea up to Jerusalem, was the backdrop for events of great importance to the three monotheistic faiths, as they developed and were shaped in this remarkable landscape.

In spite of the checkered and violent history of the region, the desert has remained untouched by time for the most part. It gives the pilgrim the opportunity to experience a biblical landscape, since the local Bedouin tribes live much as did the Patriarch Abraham, father of the three monotheistic faiths.

The landscape, heritage and culture together create an opportunity to enjoy local hospitality in a unique ambiance.

This has opened the way for sustainable economic initiatives, in the spirit of “slow tourism”, developed by local stakeholders. The result will hopefully be that the local population regains a sense of pride and ownership of their natural, built and intangible heritage.

The ascent to Jerusalem through the Desert takes about three days. There is no single route, but diverse ways to reach the Holy City, each offering different sites and experiences, according to the faith and individual perspective of the pilgrim.

The Green Pilgrim Jerusalem team has already implemented it, taking several pilot groups through Jesus’ or Omar’s ascent to Jerusalem, or sharing the prophets’ experience of meditation in the desert.

Fast transportation denies the added value to be gained from the physical experience of the way itself.

During the ascent to the Holy City, our pilgrims internalize the spiritual depth of their journey. The impact of the solitude of the desert, added to the intensity of the Old City itself, forge an understanding of the need to protect and preserve heritage. This understanding influences them after their return home, where they will add environmental responsibility to the spiritual transformation resulting from their pilgrimage.